Alexander Zverev stands up for ‘leader’ Novak Djokovic: ‘He was again portrayed as the bad guy’
Alexander Zverev has defended Novak Djokovic in the wake of the world No 1’s controversial quarantine pleas to Australian authorities.
Djokovic copped some flak after he sent a list of requests to government and Australian Open tournament officials. Among the requests – which some reported as a “list of demands” – were better food for those in hard lockdown as well as shorter quarantine periods and “private houses with tennis courts” for those affected.
Rafael Nadal’s thinly veiled jibe after Novak Djokovic quarantine pleas: ‘Some of us help each other privately’
Djokovic later issued a statement defending himself against allegations of being “selfish, difficult and ungrateful” while tournament chief Craig Tiley also came out to bat for the 17-time Grand Slam winner.
And now Zverev has also come to his defence, saying the world No 1 sent the letter on behalf of the players.
“Those were the demands from other players who are in quarantine,” Zverev told Eurosport Germany.
“We were all in a group chat. Novak was just there as a leader and as the number one player in the world and he sent the letter out. It was not his own letter, it was the points that were asked by other players.
“He was again portrayed as the bad guy, which is not true because he was just standing up for others.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsAngry Andy Murray loses to world number eight Andrey Rublev in Rotterdam
The three-time grand slam winner smashed his racket into the ground as he was beaten 7-5 6-2.
-
ATP TourATP announces ‘Covid Protection Ranking’ amid ongoing restrictions
ATP announces new system and some tweaks to other systems.
-
Tennis VideosWATCH: Turning his back on play, brilliant winners, racket smashing from Daniil Medvedev as he loses
Daniil Medvedev entertains, even when he loses.
-
ATP Tour‘I just don’t feel well here’ – Alexander Zverev’s Rotterdam woes continue as he bemoans early exit
Early exit for Alexander Zverev in Rotterdam.
-
Tennis FeaturesAs football’s VAR struggles continue, tennis celebrates 15 years of Hawk-Eye’s electronic line calling system
Hawk-Eye in tennis, some like it, some don’t.
-
Tennis NewsRafael Nadal vows he will continue to play tennis as long as he is ‘healthy and able to compete’
Rafael Nadal on retirement.
-
Tennis NewsTim Henman says ‘mesmerising’ Roger Federer ‘won’t just make up the numbers’ upon his return
Tim Henman on Roger Federer’s comeback.
-
ATP TourAndrey Rublev expects ‘fun’ match against ‘true legend’ Andy Murray as Scot praises Russian’s work ethic
Andrey Rublev and Andy Murray sing each other’s praises.
-
ATP TourStefanos Tsitsipas explains how change in mindset helped him to turn things around in Rotterdam opener
Stefanos Tsitsipas shows some fight in Rotterdam win.
-
NewsAndy Murray set for Rotterdam second-round clash with world No 8 Andrey Rublev
Murray and Rublev’s only other meeting was in 2017.